In the Empress’s palace, the Crown Prince said to Empress Pei: “Mother Empress, your son has already gone to Duke Qiguo’s residence and proclaimed the edict as you instructed.”

Empress Pei smiled slightly: “Oh? How did the Guo family react?”

The Crown Prince laughed coldly: “What reaction could they have? I saw that Princess Chenliu is elderly, and Lady Guo is sickly. Even if they escape this disaster, they won’t live much longer!”

Empress Pei spoke: “What about Guo Jia? What did she say?”

The Crown Prince furrowed his brow: “If Mother Empress is worried about that woman, there’s no need. I saw she’s not some three-headed, six-armed monster. Facing such a situation, she’s helpless and has no choice but to obediently remain under house arrest. Now we just wait for the Imperial Astronomy Bureau to submit a memorial stating she’s the one threatening the Emperor’s star. Then we can easily make this woman disappear from the capital. Mother Empress will never need to worry about her again—truly eliminating future troubles forever!” As the Crown Prince spoke, a strange smile floated onto his face.

Empress Pei glanced at him and laughed coldly: “If Guo Jia were so easily executed, she wouldn’t be so feared by me. Don’t underestimate her too much—that won’t do you any good!”

The Crown Prince disagreed: “Mother Empress worries too much. If she were truly as formidable as you say, why this time can she only submit to capture?”

Empress Pei gracefully rose and walked to the window, looking at the blooming flower trees outside, smiling faintly: “Planning thoroughly before acting—that’s this person’s character.”

The Crown Prince pondered for a moment, then said to Empress Pei: “Mother Empress, in your son’s opinion, while Duke Qiguo isn’t in the capital, we might as well catch them all in one net.”

Empress Pei glanced back at him: “No need to rush. When a cat catches a mouse, it doesn’t swallow it in one bite. Think about how Guo Jia dealt with your two sisters. If we let her die so easily, how could I face Anguo and Lin’an?”

Hearing Empress Pei say this, the Crown Prince’s thoughts stirred. Mother Empress had always been very indulgent toward Anguo, even doting on her. Though she never showed much maternal love, it was still much better than how she treated him. Could it be that only Anguo was Mother Empress’s biological child, while both he and Lin’an’s origins were questionable? Thinking this, his gaze revealed a trace of faint sadness and suppressed resentment.

Seeing his expression change uncertainly, Empress Pei paid no mind, only saying: “Well, I’ll handle this matter. You needn’t concern yourself.”

The Crown Prince stepped forward somewhat dissatisfied: “Mother Empress, didn’t you say you’d leave this matter to me? The matter isn’t finished yet—at least that Guo Jia still isn’t dead. How can we stop here!”

Empress Pei smiled slightly, her exquisite face showing a trace of faint mockery: “You’re growing increasingly bold. Since when can you question my words?”

Hearing Empress Pei say this, the Crown Prince’s heart jumped. He quickly knelt: “Your son wouldn’t dare. I will respectfully follow Mother Empress’s instructions!” As he spoke, he bowed and withdrew, his anxious appearance still appearing very respectful.

After the Crown Prince left, the curtains stirred slightly. Ying Chu emerged from behind the screen. He glanced in the direction the Crown Prince departed and said to Empress Pei: “Your Majesty, forgive this subject’s boldness, but the Crown Prince still harbors ill intentions toward Your Majesty. You must guard against him.”

Empress Pei laughed coldly: “This fool—no matter what I do or say, he can’t eliminate such absurd thoughts. This shows that Guo Jia is truly formidable. Unknowingly, she’s made me fall into such ridiculous suspicion! Tell me, if I don’t completely eliminate her, how can I rest easy?”

Ying Chu smiled calmly: “This subject has already ordered our spy in Wang Gong’s army to leak information to Dali. Presumably, news of defeats from the front lines will arrive soon. At that time, we can justifiably execute Guo Jia. This is a certainty. Your Majesty needn’t rush—better to take advantage of these days to torment her properly.”

Empress Pei smiled slightly, looking at him: “Good. I’ll leave front-line matters to you. Regardless of who wins or loses, I’m happy to watch tigers fight from the mountain. But Guo Jia… just killing her isn’t enough. She tormented Anguo so much before—she must also taste heart-piercing pain.”

Ying Chu said: “Your Majesty is wise! Just now I heard the Crown Prince say Princess Chenliu is growing old, and Lady Guo has always been bedridden with inconsistent health. This means Duke Qiguo campaigning away is the greatest blow to the Guo family members.” Speaking of this, he paused, his smile deepening: “Your Majesty, this subject will now go to Duke Qiguo’s residence to convey a message that Duke Qiguo was seriously injured on the battlefield.”

Empress Pei turned and smiled: “Seriously injured?”

Ying Chu smiled even more smugly: “Yes, seriously injured—probably won’t recover.”

Empress Pei furrowed her brow slightly: “But Duke Qiguo isn’t actually injured. This matter will eventually be proven false. If falsely reporting bad news is exposed, won’t that…”

Ying Chu laughed coldly: “Your Majesty, rest assured. The battlefield is far and remote—by the time the real news arrives, it will already be half a month later! Once this message is delivered, even if it doesn’t take Princess Chenliu’s old life, it will devastate the Guo family. Your Majesty, this subject will quickly fabricate a military battle report and send it to the Guo family. After Princess Chenliu sees it, she’ll surely believe it without doubt.”

Empress Pei smiled slightly: “That’s a good idea. Guo Jia, oh Guo Jia—this is what you brought upon yourself. I want your family to suffer torment first, then taste the flavor of family ruin and death.”

At this time in Duke Qiguo’s residence, Princess Chenliu worried about her son campaigning away and had been chanting sutras in the Buddhist hall. From excessive worry, she caught a cold. After requesting permission from the Imperial Guards stationed outside, they specially invited an imperial physician into the residence to treat her. Lady Guo, Jiang Shi, and Li Weiyang all accompanied her. Li Weiyang saw Princess Chenliu wave away the maid bringing medicine and said gently: “Grandmother, this won’t do. If Father and my brothers return and see your condition has worsened, who knows how worried they’ll be.”

Princess Chenliu coughed heavily twice and sighed: “I’m just a bag of old bones—what does it matter? Most important is that they return safely.”

Hearing Princess Chenliu say this, Li Weiyang and Lady Guo exchanged glances. Lady Guo personally took the bowl of medicine from the maid’s tray and walked before Princess Chenliu: “Mother, before leaving, the master repeatedly instructed that no matter what, I must guard the household and care for Mother. If you truly fall ill and don’t take medicine, how can that work? Previously you laughed at me for fearing bitterness. How is it that now when it’s your turn, you’re the same?”

Princess Chenliu saw Lady Guo’s worried expression and couldn’t help shaking her head: “These days have been hard on you. Your own health isn’t good either—why must you serve me? I have many maids around me, and Jia’er is here. Please go back and rest.”

Lady Guo insisted on not leaving. Just then, Guo Dao lifted the curtain and entered. He glanced at the scene in the room but said calmly to Li Weiyang: “Jia’er, why are you still staying here? I have urgent matters to discuss with you. Come out first.”

These words were very abrupt, completely unlike Guo Dao’s usual manner. Li Weiyang’s smile paused. Her heart somewhat understood, but her face only nodded, preparing to go out with Guo Dao to talk.

Princess Chenliu suddenly stopped them: “What can’t be said here?”

Guo Dao forced a smile: “Grandmother, you’re still ill. Rest assured, we’re here for everything.”

Princess Chenliu didn’t believe him. She understood Guo Dao too well—even the biggest matters would appear like nothing to him. From the moment he entered, she’d been observing this grandson’s expression. Guo Dao’s expression was wrong—how could she not know? She gripped Lady Guo’s hand and forced herself to stand: “What matter is it? If you don’t tell me, you think this old woman is too much of an obstacle! From now on, I won’t manage Guo family affairs. You do as you please!”

Hearing this, Guo Dao’s expression changed. He quickly knelt: “Please forgive me, Grandmother. Grandson doesn’t mean that.”

Li Weiyang knew Guo Dao was anxious and frustrated, only smiling slightly, saying gently: “Grandmother, Fifth Brother is well-intentioned, fearing you’ll worry too much. Don’t blame him.”

Lady Guo frowned: “Stop hiding things from us. Just speak—what happened?”

Guo Dao glanced at Li Weiyang. Seeing her nod at him, he said softly: “Ying Chu has come. He wants to see Grandmother.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang couldn’t help furrowing her brow tightly: “Ying Chu? What’s he doing here?”

Guo Dao clearly was also puzzled. He only shook his head: “He says he has important matters to personally report to Grandmother but won’t say what. I asked him, but he won’t respond.”

A weasel paying New Year’s respects to a chicken—what good intentions could he have? Li Weiyang smiled faintly and said to Princess Chenliu: “Grandmother, let us handle this matter.” She vaguely felt something wasn’t quite right, so didn’t want Princess Chenliu to appear.

Princess Chenliu felt uneasy and naturally wouldn’t listen: “With your father away, I’m the family head. What needs hiding from me? Ying Chu’s sudden visit must be for important matters—otherwise he wouldn’t come to Duke Qiguo’s residence at midnight. I want to see what this person has to say!” As she spoke, she struggled to move forward. Long periods of lying down had weakened her entire body. Before she could stand steady, she stumbled. Lady Guo quickly supported her, asking with concern: “Mother!”

Princess Chenliu stopped her unspoken objection, only lightly smoothing her white hair, saying meticulously: “I must personally see what he has to say!”

Lady Guo sighed softly: “Mother’s temper is truly hard to change. You don’t cherish yourself at all.”

Hearing this, Princess Chenliu smiled, her expression solemn and serious: “The saying goes that the elderly increasingly resemble children. Just consider me too willful this once and follow my wishes.” Lady Guo was helpless and could only instruct maids to bring a cloak. She personally supported Princess Chenliu as the group proceeded to the great hall.

Amid swirling incense, Ying Chu sat leisurely drinking tea. Seeing Princess Chenliu arrive, he smiled slightly and rose to bow: “Ying Chu pays respects to Princess Chenliu and Lady Guo.”

Princess Chenliu waved her hand faintly: “Lord Ying, you’re excused. Please sit! What matter requires Lord Ying to come inform us at midnight?”

Ying Chu’s smile faded as if deeply regretful: “Princess, this subject shouldn’t disturb you at midnight, but this matter is truly grave, so I had to presume and come. I hope the Princess won’t blame me.”

Though Princess Chenliu was elderly, her imposing manner now was no less than in years past. She immediately darkened her face: “Lord Ying, just speak plainly.”

Ying Chu remained unmoved, only smiling faintly: “Before this subject reports, please everyone be mentally prepared!”

Hearing such words, Guo Dao stepped forward, saying coldly: “Ying Chu, what exactly do you want to say?”

Princess Chenliu and Lady Guo exchanged glances. Lady Guo quickly stood: “Lord Ying, please speak plainly.”

Ying Chu sighed softly: “Since Lady Guo wants this subject to speak plainly, I can only tell the truth. News came from the east that Duke Qiguo was unfortunately seriously injured on the battlefield, and General Zhenguo Guo Rong was killed in battle…”

Hearing this sentence, Jiang Shi, who’d been standing gently to the side, saw darkness before her eyes and suddenly collapsed. The maids panicked and quickly stepped forward to support her.

Seeing this situation, Li Weiyang stepped forward, her voice sharp: “What did you say?”

Ying Chu said faintly: “I said General Guo Rong has already died for his country, and Duke Qiguo is also seriously injured. Since the news arrived these past days, I don’t know if he’s already met with misfortune…”

Lady Guo said in disbelief: “My son, something happened to Guo Rong?” She stepped back, shaking her head in disbelief, tears immediately filling her eyes. Then Guo Dao gripped Lady Guo’s hand: “Mother, don’t panic yet. Let’s clarify the matter first! Lord Ying, where exactly did this news come from?”

Ying Chu said calmly: “Words alone carry no proof—naturally you won’t believe me. But the battle report is here. Please Princess Chenliu examine it.”

Princess Chenliu said nothing more, accepting the battle report passed by a maid. After glancing at it, her hands actually trembled slightly, the battle report also constantly shaking with her fingers.

Ying Chu laughed coldly: “Please accept my condolences, Princess!”

Princess Chenliu’s tears could no longer be held back, continuously rolling down. Her body suddenly swayed and collapsed to the side. Lady Guo could no longer care about her own grief and quickly went to check on her. Ying Chu smiled slightly: “The battle report is delivered. I’ll take my leave first.”

Li Weiyang suddenly blocked him, her smile cold: “Lord Ying, what can one battle report prove?”

Ying Chu sighed softly: “I knew Miss Guo wouldn’t believe such news. No wonder—you’re inherently suspicious. However… you still recognize the Guo family’s old retainer Jiang Hua, don’t you?”

Li Weiyang furrowed her brow. This Jiang Hua was one of Father’s advisors, highly valued by Father. This time he accompanied the army. She didn’t know why Ying Chu suddenly mentioned this person. She said faintly: “Yes, I naturally know who Jiang Hua is.”

Ying Chu’s smile became even more affable, but that silver-gleaming mask added a trace of ferocity to his face: “He’s the one who brought this battle report back to the capital. If you don’t believe it, you might as well question him thoroughly!”

As he spoke, he waved his hand, signaling the guards following behind to bring the person in. Soon they saw the travel-worn Jiang Hua enter the great hall trembling. Upon seeing Princess Chenliu and the others, he immediately knelt and wailed: “Princess, Madam! The Duke and the eldest young master—one seriously injured, one already died for the country!” As he cried, he covered his face with his sleeve as if overcome with grief. If Princess Chenliu still held some hope before, now she was completely despairing. She stared at him blankly, murmuring: “You… what you said is true?”

Jiang Hua quickly said: “Yes, I absolutely wouldn’t dare lie to you! The Duke showed me great kindness. I already swore to repay him with my life in the future, which is why I disregarded everything to follow him to the battlefield this time. Who could have imagined that as soon as battle began, the Duke was struck by a stray arrow? The military physician already said it’s just a matter of one or two days! And the eldest young master, protecting the Duke’s retreat, was pierced by countless arrows. When we found him, he’d already been trampled by warhorses beyond recognition… Please accept my condolences!”

Li Weiyang’s extremely cold gaze fell on his face: “Oh, condolences? Father was injured at the front, yet you’re not at his side but ran here to deliver battle reports? Lord Jiang, you’re truly quite idle!”

Jiang Hua was stunned. Hearing the mockery in Li Weiyang’s words, he became somewhat angry: “Miss, what do you mean? Are you doubting me, Jiang Hua? That’s right—I did risk my life to bring this battle report back. Only because the matter is so grave did I first deliver it to the capital. But according to regulations, I first reported to the Ministry of Justice, which is when I encountered Lord Ying who was there proclaiming an edict…”

Ying Chu said coldly: “Empress Pei kindly had me escort this Jiang Hua back. Miss Guo, don’t wrong good people.”

Li Weiyang laughed coldly and said to Jiang Hua: “I’m not doubting you—I’m certain you’re lying!”

Hearing this, Princess Chenliu and Lady Guo were both shocked. Li Weiyang turned to look at them, saying gently: “Grandmother, Mother, please don’t believe what this person says! Father and eldest brother absolutely haven’t met with trouble. Their troops only just reached the east and made camp—there’s been no battle at all. How could there be injuries? This person is just a spy wanting to use this opportunity to strike at us!”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Jiang Hua immediately loudly refuted: “Miss, even if you’re overcome with grief, you shouldn’t speak nonsense! I, Jiang Hua, am utterly loyal to your father and eldest young master—heaven can attest! This time I even risked my life to bring back this battle report, only because the Duke entrusted it to me did I personally do this! I don’t care who wants to use this to strike at anyone, but this battle report is genuine!”

Li Weiyang’s expression was calm, saying word by word: “Your honeyed words and skillful arguments! Someone, slap his mouth!”

Ying Chu was shocked and said sternly: “Guo Jia, have you gone mad? You’d attack a loyal person so viciously?!”

Li Weiyang glanced at him coldly: “Lord Ying, this is my Guo family’s internal affair. Please stand as far away as possible!” Zhao Yue immediately rushed forward and delivered thirty heavy slaps across Jiang Hua’s face. For the first couple of blows, Jiang Hua still angrily cursed: “Princess, look at what Miss is doing—actually wronging the loyal!” After just a few more, he was beaten until he couldn’t even speak. By the time thirty slaps were finished, his face was completely purple and swollen, blood flowing from his mouth corners, collapsed limply on the ground motionless.

Lady Guo initially wanted to tell Li Weiyang not to be impulsive, but seeing this situation now, she was also shocked. Guo Dao stood with one arm across his chest, his expression cold and condensed.

Ying Chu’s expression changed bit by bit. He hadn’t expected Li Weiyang to be so cunning and suspicious—to beat someone severely without even thinking showed her vicious scheming far exceeded ordinary women!

Li Weiyang said expressionlessly: “Father and I made arrangements long ago. If any news from the front lines comes back, it must follow our pre-agreed method—it absolutely cannot be just through a simple battle report! You were clearly bought by others and deliberately came to deceive Grandmother.” She paused for a moment. Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound. Then they heard Li Weiyang say slowly: “Considering you’re just a poor scholar, yet at our Duke Qiguo’s residence you received such good treatment. I heard the year before last your mother fell gravely ill—it was Father who sent someone to request the best physician to treat her. Later when you had no money to marry, it was also Father who arranged a house for you to take a wife, allowing you to settle down peacefully. At Duke Qiguo’s residence, you ate from the bowl while eyeing the gold and silver outside—you’re completely an ungrateful, treacherous petty person! What use is keeping someone like you alive!” As she spoke, she said coldly to the guards standing at the door: “Drag him out and beat him to death with rods!”

Jiang Hua, who’d collapsed limply on the ground, suddenly jumped up and said sternly: “I’m wronged! I’m innocent! The Duke truly was seriously injured, and the eldest young master already died for his country. Miss, you can’t treat me this way! Duke, look carefully—what did I do wrong? I’ve been utterly loyal to you. I finally managed to deliver this battle report here with great difficulty, yet Miss wrongs me like this!”

Ying Chu’s expression became extremely ugly, his face frozen and cold without saying a word. Li Weiyang shouted: “Still not moving!”

Two guards held Jiang Hua between them, saying coldly: “Yes!” Jiang Hua looked at the two in terror, shaking his head hysterically: “No, no!” His eyes swept rapidly through the great hall, frantically seeking someone who could help. He desperately wanted to crawl toward Ying Chu, but Ying Chu flicked his sleeve and strode away. He turned his head and saw Lady Guo standing there pale and dazed. Immediately, as if seeing a lifeline, he rolled and crawled, kowtowing incessantly: “Madam, save me! What I said is true! The Duke truly was seriously injured and appears close to death.”

Lady Guo looked at him, her gaze suddenly turning ice cold: “What you said is true?”

Jiang Hua kept kowtowing: “Yes, yes, what I said is true.”

Lady Guo said word by word: “You ungrateful traitor—the master treated you so generously! To keep your life any longer would truly be intolerable to heaven!” Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Are you all made of wood, allowing him to disturb my mother like this?”

The two guards immediately came forward and grabbed Jiang Hua from left and right. Seeing Li Weiyang was serious, Jiang Hua’s heart filled with shock. He completely forgot about the wealth and glory Empress Pei had promised him. Those gold and silver treasures were certainly good, but if he had no life to enjoy them, what use were they? He immediately said: “It’s false, false! The Duke is fine, the eldest young master is also fine!”

The maids had already helped Jiang Shi up and given her tea. Jiang Shi hazily woke and heard this sentence, finally breathing a long sigh of relief. It was as if her whole person came back to life, her complexion slowly improving.

Jiang Hua kept kowtowing: “Miss, I was momentarily possessed. I won’t dare again! Please just treat me like a dog and spare my life!”

Li Weiyang’s expression didn’t change. Jiang Hua immediately went to plead with others.

Princess Chenliu, with a head full of silver hair, had an extremely solemn expression, saying coldly: “Since today has come, why did you do it in the first place? Being such an ingrate, who among us can save you?”

Guo Dao signaled with his eyes. The two guards grabbed Jiang Hua and dragged him out of the great hall. He desperately clawed at the floor cracks until his nails broke off. Blood immediately flowed along the blue brick floor, leaving two deep bloodstains. He shouted loudly: “I’ll tell, I’ll tell everything! I was afraid of death and fled all the way back, then was bought by Empress Pei! She’s the one who bought me! I was wrong, I was truly wrong! Miss, please spare me!”

Li Weiyang remained completely unmoved, only watching as Jiang Hua was dragged further and further away, with shrill voices continuously reaching them: “Save me, save me!”

Lady Guo watched this series of changes and felt her eyes slightly sting, her heart seemingly suddenly emptying and turning cold in waves. Guo Su had cared for this person so much, yet at the critical moment, instead of thinking of repaying the favor, he turned around and framed his master. She looked at Li Weiyang: “Jia’er, fortunately you were cautious.”

Li Weiyang’s brows and eyes were calm, saying gently: “Mother, what is Jiang Hua? Nothing but a dog at Empress Pei’s side! How much can a dog’s words be believed?” What she said sounded casual, yet was shocking to hear. Just now, if she hadn’t been decisive in killing and forced out Jiang Hua’s true words, Princess Chenliu would probably already be dying of grief.

Princess Chenliu breathed a long sigh: “Truly never imagined Empress Pei could use such despicable methods!”

Ordinary people would usually choose to have others do such things rather than their own confidants, yet Empress Pei chose Ying Chu. Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “That’s the kind of person she is. What wouldn’t she do? Actually, today she could have sent others, but she specifically chose Ying Chu, showing she gambled that we’d believe Jiang Hua’s words. On the other hand… she wanted Ying Chu to personally witness our pain so he could return and report to her in vivid detail. Her mentality has twisted to a certain level.”

Speaking of this, she walked back to Princess Chenliu’s side, saying gently and carefully: “Grandmother, don’t be so trusting in the future. Although this Jiang Hua is a Guo family person, we cannot ensure he’s utterly loyal to the Duke’s residence. Today it was one Jiang Hua—tomorrow it could be someone else. Unless I say the matter is credible, you mustn’t believe anything anyone says. You should trust in Father and eldest brother’s abilities. They’ve campaigned for many years with rich experience—they won’t so easily fall into Empress Pei’s trap!”

Princess Chenliu shook her head, her face showing infinite worry: “You don’t know that on the battlefield, variables are too numerous. Since Empress Pei has schemed so carefully to eliminate the Duke’s residence, how could she not move against your father and eldest brother?”

Jiang Shi, who’d just caught her breath, heard this and her face turned deathly pale again. Li Weiyang glanced at her and smiled: “Grandmother needn’t worry. As the saying goes, the fortunate have their own heavenly protection—naturally they’ll be fine.”

Princess Chenliu’s aged, pale lips actually showed a trace of faint smile: “If they truly died for their country… as children of a military family, this would be natural. I’ve long had this mental preparation. But if they’re harmed by others, how can I face the Guo family’s ancestors? I should still burn more incense for them.” After saying this, she tremblingly stood up and, supported by maids, departed. Lady Guo and Jiang Shi chased after her, leaving only Li Weiyang and Guo Dao in the great hall.

Guo Dao was about to speak when he suddenly raised his brows and said sternly: “Who’s hiding there!” The curtain moved, revealing Princess Ali’s completely pale face. She’d originally come out to look after hearing commotion outside, never expecting such a bloody scene in the great hall. Looking at the bloodstains on the floor, her heart couldn’t stop pounding because she’d never seen Li Weiyang appear so ruthless. Before her, Li Weiyang was like a sister—gentle and kind, always smiling faintly no matter the time. Though skilled at scheming, she’d never personally taken lives. But today, facing Jiang Hua, she unhesitatingly uttered the two words “beat to death”—truly killing without blinking.

Li Weiyang looked at her and said slowly: “This time you’ve seen me clearly. This is the kind of person I am. Anyone who opposes me, I’ll mercilessly eliminate. In this aspect, I’m no different from Empress Pei.”

Guo Dao refuted: “No, you’re vastly different from her! Everything you do is to protect Duke Qiguo’s residence, while Empress Pei… probably no one can leave any trace in her heart. This person only cares about power, about status, about her identity as Empress Pei!”

Princess Ali said embarrassedly: “Jia’er, I’m sorry. I’m not blaming you—I was just too frightened!” Li Weiyang seemed unconcerned with Ali’s words, only savoring Guo Dao’s statement once more before suddenly turning around: “What did you just say?”

Guo Dao repeated: “I said you’re different from Empress Pei.”

“No, not that sentence.” Li Weiyang cut him off: “What was the next sentence you said?”

Guo Dao hesitated for a moment before saying: “I said Empress Pei only cares about power, status, and her identity as Empress.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang pondered: “No, I think there’s one more thing Empress Pei cares about very much.”

Princess Ali asked in surprise: “What does she care about?”

Li Weiyang’s brow relaxed, her smile slowly deepening: “Recently there’s been something I haven’t understood. His Majesty fell ill so suddenly, and so coincidentally—showing Empress Pei had already tampered with him long ago. I suspect His Majesty’s years of headaches are probably related to Empress Pei… Even if Empress Pei didn’t manipulate it, the medicine offered by Ying Chu also has problems.”

Guo Dao couldn’t help frowning: “What does this prove?”

Li Weiyang looked at him, saying word by word: “Since she can control the Emperor, yet all these years hasn’t taken his life, apart from maintaining the balance of power, I always felt there was another reason, but unfortunately I couldn’t figure it out. Just now, Fifth Brother’s words suddenly reminded me…”

Ali was surprised, then blurted out: “Does this mean Empress Pei cares very much about the Emperor?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Yes. If she didn’t truly care about this person, she could have killed him long ago. Why keep him until now? As long as the Emperor dies, the Crown Prince would rightfully ascend the throne. She could perfectly control all of Yuexi. Wouldn’t that work?”

Indeed, since Empress Pei could manipulate the Emperor’s condition, why not eliminate him earlier? There was only one possibility—she greatly valued the Emperor as a person. According to Empress Pei’s state of mind, the Emperor had shown her not the slightest affection over all these years, only wariness, suspicion, and suppression. Yet she’d always held back, never making any move against the Emperor. Even as the Emperor step by step weakened the Pei family’s power, she remained unmoved. This precisely showed that deep in her heart she still had something important, or rather an important person—only this person wasn’t her children but the man sitting on the throne!

Thinking this, a smile floated to Li Weiyang’s lips. She looked at the pitch-black night outside, saying coldly: “This perfectly illustrates one principle—no one in this world is without weaknesses. The Crown Prince hates Ying Chu, so his weakness is Ying Chu. Ying Chu is utterly loyal to Empress Pei, so his weakness is Empress Pei. And Empress Pei? Now don’t we know her weakness too?”

Guo Dao still hesitated, saying: “Since we can bet that she won’t take the Emperor’s life, then the crux of the matter lies with this person. But the palace has strict security—how can we see His Majesty and find a way to cure his illness?”

Li Weiyang’s smile was cold: “Who said I want to cure his illness? Now isn’t the time to cure him. Just let him continue lying there!”

Hearing Li Weiyang say this, Guo Dao was stunned. He suddenly didn’t understand Li Weiyang’s thinking. He thought about it: “We can’t start with the Emperor, so we must think of another method. This breakthrough point…”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Right now there’s an excellent opportunity, and it was personally delivered by the other side! Didn’t he just say Father was already seriously injured? Clearly the front-line battle situation is critical. Zhao Yue!”

Zhao Yue immediately stepped forward: “Yes, Miss. This servant is here.”

Li Weiyang said: “I’ll immediately write a letter. Deliver it to Wang Zijin at once.”

Guo Dao’s frown deepened: “At this time, why are you looking for her?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Naturally to borrow the Wang family’s power. Haven’t the Wangs always claimed neutrality? Now is the best time for her to speak.”

No matter how quick Guo Dao’s mind, he couldn’t keep up with her thinking, his expression changing uncertainly. Princess Ali was even more confused, completely unable to figure it out.

Seeing even the usually resourceful Guo Dao was stumped, Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile: “It’s late—you should return to rest early.” As she spoke, she murmured to herself: “The weather seems to be warming up.” Then she’d already left them behind and walked out of the great hall, step by step descending the stairs. Seeing her leave, Zhao Yue quickly chased after her.

Guo Dao still stood in place, unable to figure it out. Princess Ali smiled: “Since Jia’er says there’s no problem, just trust her. She’s never been wrong!”

Guo Dao sighed deeply: “Yes, now even I don’t understand what she’s thinking. Perhaps only Yuan Lie can truly understand her character.” As he said this, he gently shook his head and said no more.

The next day, in the imperial hall—this hall was exceptionally vast, able to accommodate several hundred people. The floor was paved with black square bricks, and these black bricks, upon close inspection, could actually reflect people’s images. On both sides of the hall stood four load-bearing round pillars. Three or four strong men joining hands couldn’t encircle even one. Each pillar was coiled with two golden dragons, their heads facing upward, baring fangs and brandishing claws in an extremely majestic appearance. Following the white marble steps upward to the ninth level, there was a high platform. In the central position sat a gleaming golden dragon throne weighing over a thousand catties, extraordinarily magnificent. Behind the dragon throne, that wall was carved with Yuexi’s landscape painting, echoing the dragon throne in grand magnificence.

Empress Pei sat in the slightly smaller chair beside the dragon throne in the hall’s center. She wore the Empress’s phoenix robe, her hair coiled high. On both left and right sides, four golden hairpins were inserted, and atop her head in the center sat the king of all birds—the phoenix. The phoenix’s mouth held an extremely brilliant pearl, with a red gemstone hanging below positioned perfectly at her forehead. Around her neck, she wore a double-phoenix glazed necklace, further highlighting her brows like distant mountains, eyes like stars. Her slightly pursed lips showed an imposing manner without anger. Heavy gauze curtains concealed her features.

Since the Emperor fell gravely ill, the Crown Prince temporarily handled court affairs. When major military and state matters arose, Empress Pei would also deliberate with the Crown Prince in the hall. Of course, all government affairs couldn’t be decided by these two alone—many veteran officials and the power of various great families remained in court. Even with Duke Qiguo’s residence and the Wang family absent, Empress Pei couldn’t rule alone. From behind heavy gauze curtains, Empress Pei’s voice emerged: “What important matters need reporting today?”

Censor Ding Wei stepped forward and said to Empress Pei: “Your Majesty, last night at midnight, Lord Ying suddenly went to Duke Qiguo’s residence, saying only that Duke Qiguo was seriously injured and General Guo Rong had already fallen in battle.”

Hearing this sentence, everyone gasped. Empress Pei hadn’t expected the news to spread so quickly—that Guo Jia actually dared expose everything. This girl truly was a newborn calf unafraid of death. Originally, she’d decided to announce in a couple days that this was just a mistaken report, but now she certainly couldn’t immediately say it was false news… Fortunately, with such distance, mistaken reports occurred frequently. She said faintly: “Yes, the news was brought back by Duke Qiguo’s most trusted person. Presumably it won’t be wrong.” Speaking of this, her heart felt a trace of displeasure. She didn’t know why, but felt something fishy about this matter. How did the Guo family get the news out? Those useless Imperial Guards stationed day and night actually couldn’t stop them! Thinking this, she couldn’t help grinding her teeth secretly.

Censor Ding Wei immediately said: “Your Majesty, since Duke Qiguo was already seriously injured, the eastern battle situation will probably become critical. In this subject’s opinion, we should quickly select capable people to go.”

Just as his words fell, the Crown Prince said coldly: “Mother Empress naturally has her decision on this matter.”

Minister of Military Affairs Feng Dan immediately spoke: “Your Majesty, this is a major military and state matter. Naturally you cannot decide alone. Among court military generals, Duke Qiguo and General Zhendong are foremost. Unfortunately, both have already been dispatched, and Duke Qiguo was seriously injured. Now the best candidate…” His words reached this point, his gaze circling the Crown Prince’s face: “His Majesty once wanted to personally lead an expedition, showing his determination to pacify the war. In the past, there were such examples—whenever the Emperor campaigns, he must be代d by the Crown Prince!” After saying this sentence, everyone immediately understood, their gazes turning toward the Crown Prince.

If the Emperor could personally lead an expedition, as Crown Prince, shouldn’t you step forward to turn the tide at this time? The Crown Prince’s face paled slightly. Only now did he understand they were coming for him. He quickly looked toward the gauze curtains. Empress Pei said angrily: “How dare you!”